Lockdown ease sees insurance claims rise 30%

The easing of lockdown last month prompted many to get back behind the wheel… and the number of collisions has increased

Road traffic accident

The easing of lockdown has led to a surge in motorists being involved in collisions.

According to insurance company LV, it received 30 percent more claims last month compared to the start of 2021 when lockdown restrictions were reintroduced.

In early April, rival insurer NFU Mutual predicted 12 million people would hit the roads with the easing of lockdown and itself predicted the number of accidents would increase by 18 percent.

LV said since lockdown restrictions were eased in mid-April, the number of vehicles on the roads has ‘risen exponentially’.

Accidents in car parks and on motorways are seeing particular growth.

The number of car parking accidents is nearly double the rate seen in January this year and higher than any month in 2019, apart from August.

Drivers assess car accident

“In the last few weeks, we’ve seen horrendous weather, more cars on the road and people getting used to driving again, and those three factors have clearly led to more accidents,” said Martin Milliner, claims director at LV.

“Some people are getting back behind the wheel consistently for the first time in a while, so it’s really important drivers take their time getting used to the busier roads and don’t rush when parking or doing complex manoeuvres.

“It’s also worth giving your car the once over if it’s been sat on the street or drive for a period of time, just to make sure everything’s working as it should do.”

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